Pyrotechnics and Banning Orders.

TwelveAngryMen said:
The guy couldn't have been all there
He just whipped out the flare in B block and held it up on his own with full face showing until it burnt out
Looked bemused when he was lifted 5 mins later
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We’ve got quite a few who aren’t quite a full shilling. Maybe the banning order could be reviewed on the grounds of diminished responsibility 👍
 
SLO you really should be helping/defending this guy get a lighter sentence.

He clearly isn't a full shilling, and didn't know he was in the wrong, as he held the smoke bomb aloft, in full view of everyone to see.

And SLO, the question that really needs to be asked is, why did the stewards not intervene with the Rangers fans?

Were they scared?

The Blackpool fan probably witnessed the Rangers fans, and thought it was ok for him too.

Not everybody reads the new rules, within days of them being released.

A 3 year ban is absolutely ridiculous and needs rescinding.
 
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So the message from summer is if people do have them to cover their face and blend into the crowd so can't be spotted? Hmmm.
 
It's been 'agreed' between the FSA and the various governing bodies, but I can't work out what exactly has been agreed and clubs must do and what is at the discretion of the clubs. I also wonder what the FSA thinking is behind the agreement to this and what steps they took to consult fans. I can't really find exactly has agreed to what and on behalf of who? The FSA website is quite vague on the matter.

I get that certain pyros are dangerous and I'm also sympathetic to the fact that some people have chest conditions etc - but three years for waving a smoke bomb plus criminal conviction is an awful long time and from the authorities smacks of picking an issue to 'get tough on' whilst ignoring far more fundamental issues.

It's difficult to work out what the clubs role is, because the details of the EFL position are opaque. There's a 2017 edict that dictates a three ban with discretion for the clubs and a recent 2022 edict that doesn't specify what the terms are exactly. Is the 2022 a reiteration or a replacement?

As TAM said, we did quite a lot on the podcast on it but there's really not a huge amount to easily find about what exactly has been put in place.
 
Blackpool Are Back! said:
SLO you really should be helping/defending this guy get a lighter sentence.

He clearly isn't a full shilling, and didn't know he was in the wrong, as he held the smoke bomb aloft, in full view of everyone to see.

And SLO, the question that really needs to be asked is, why did the stewards not intervene with the Rangers fans?

Were they scared?

The Blackpool fan probably witnessed the Rangers fans, and thought it was ok for him too.

Not everybody reads the new rules, within days of them being released.

A 3 year ban is absolutely ridiculous.
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I've asked the SLO on twitter if there was clear messaging at the Reading game about the new rules. I was on holiday, so I don't know. Does anyone recall if there was announcements or posters or anything at all suggesting an automatic 3 year ban?

Coming straight after the free firework display from Glasgow, it is entirely possible that, you would be ignorant of the rules which, whilst not a legal defence, is certainly a consideration.
 
This does my head in.
Blackpool Are Back! said:
SLO you really should be helping/defending this guy get a lighter sentence.

He clearly isn't a full shilling, and didn't know he was in the wrong, as he held the smoke bomb aloft, in full view of everyone to see.

And SLO, the question that really needs to be asked is, why did the stewards not intervene with the Rangers fans?

Were they scared?

The Blackpool fan probably witnessed the Rangers fans, and thought it was ok for him too.

Not everybody reads the new rules, within days of them being released.

A 3 year ban is absolutely ridiculous.
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And he didn't throw it.
 
td53 said:
It's been 'agreed' between the FSA and the various governing bodies, but I can't work out what exactly has been agreed and clubs must do and what is at the discretion of the clubs. I also wonder what the FSA thinking is behind the agreement to this and what steps they took to consult fans. I can't really find exactly has agreed to what and on behalf of who? The FSA website is quite vague on the matter.

I get that certain pyros are dangerous and I'm also sympathetic to the fact that some people have chest conditions etc - but three years for waving a smoke bomb plus criminal conviction is an awful long time and from the authorities smacks of picking an issue to 'get tough on' whilst ignoring far more fundamental issues.

It's difficult to work out what the clubs role is, because the details of the EFL position are opaque. There's a 2017 edict that dictates a three ban with discretion for the clubs and a recent 2022 edict that doesn't specify what the terms are exactly. Is the 2022 a reiteration or a replacement?

As TAM said, we did quite a lot on the podcast on it but there's really not a huge amount to easily find about what exactly has been put in place.
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This was the announcement the club made. I dug it out after the pod. Dated 25th July and obviously a long way down the newsreel by now. No specific length of ban is listed here for using pyros so the three year ban appears to be the club's choice. It's too long IMO and should be reconsidered.

I would say the article generally seems to conflate crowd disorder of the Euro's final variety (I was there, it was beyond ridiculous) with other stuff. The powers that be would say one thing leads to another of course.

www.blackpoolfc.co.uk

English Football Comes Together To Toughen Measures Addressing Fan Behaviour At Matches

Blackpool FC Homepage
www.blackpoolfc.co.uk www.blackpoolfc.co.uk

English Football Comes Together To Toughen Measures Addressing Fan Behaviour At Matches​


By Blackpool FC

The FA, Premier League and EFL are together introducing new measures and stronger sanctions across the game to tackle the increased anti-social and criminal behaviours recently seen within football grounds and underline the importance of a safe matchday environment.

The new set of actions, which will be implemented across all English football leagues from the start of Season 2022/23 and backed by the Football Supporters’ Association, will target activity such as entering the pitch without permission, carrying or using smoke bombs or pyrotechnics and throwing objects - as well as drug use and discriminatory behaviour.

These acts are dangerous, illegal and have severe consequences. They have no place in football, or anywhere.

From the start of Season 2022/23, all identified offenders will be reported by clubs to the police and prosecution could result in a permanent criminal record, which may affect their employment and education, and could result in a prison sentence. The FA will also be enforcing a tougher charging and sanctioning policy for clubs, which will reinforce these measures.

Furthermore, anyone who enters the pitch and those identified carrying or using pyrotechnics or smoke bombs will now receive an automatic club ban. These bans could also be extended to accompanying parents or guardians of children who take part in these activities.

The safety of everyone attending a matchday is the game’s collective priority. We know the behaviours carried out by some fans last season do not represent the majority of supporters and they risk ruining the fantastic experience of a football match for everyone. Therefore, we are working with clubs to highlight the important role that fans, clubs, players and coaches all have to play in helping to create a safe environment.

Our strong and collective approach reflects how seriously we all view this issue and the severity of the risks. Nobody should be intimidated or assaulted in their workplace. The pitch must remain safe for players, managers and match officials, just as the stands should be for supporters.

To further support this action, The FA, Premier League and EFL are working with police forces, the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU), and the Crown Prosecution Service to establish a new principle for cases relating to pyrotechnics and smoke bombs, as well as entering the pitch without permission. This will mean cooperating to achieve a prosecution in these cases will become the default response of the football authorities and criminal justice system, sending a clear and unambiguous message to all who break the law.

Other measures to be implemented include working with clubs to enhance search regimes and increased use of sniffer dogs at grounds. We will also be working in partnership with our clubs, players and managers, the Government, broadcasters, the police and social media platforms in seeking to discourage the further growth or acceptance of these behaviours across English football. This includes working with social media platforms to establish new ways of quicker removal of fan-generated videos of illegal behaviour at football matches, including violent offences and pitch invasions. It also includes asking the Government to reform regulations to restrict the supply of pyrotechnics and smoke bombs.

FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham said: "We all know about the fantastic and unique role that football can play in bringing communities together. However, the rise in anti-social behaviour that we saw in stadiums at the end of last season was entirely unacceptable and put people’s safety at risk. Together, English football has introduced new measures and stronger sanctions, for the start of the coming season, to send out a clear message that we will not tolerate this type of illegal and dangerous behaviour. Football stadiums must be a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment for all, and it is the responsibility of everyone in the game, including governing bodies, clubs, players, coaches, and fans, to ensure that we all play our part in protecting our game and each other."

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “Everyone should feel safe and able to enjoy a football match. Together, with clubs and partners across football, we are making clear the type of incidents we saw last season must stop. If we don’t take collective and sustained action, it may only be a matter of time before someone is seriously injured, or worse.

“These new measures are a strong response to a significant increase in fan behaviour issues, but we know it is the minority who have behaved unacceptably and unlawfully. Premier League football should be a fantastic experience for everyone and we don’t want matches to be marred by these sorts of events in the future.”

EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch said: “This season sees new measures introduced and sanctions implemented that will serve to remind everyone attending games - but particularly the minority of people behaving in an offensive manner - that there are real life consequences for the criminal, dangerous and irresponsible conduct at football. It is wholly appropriate that these unacceptable behaviours will now be dealt with through a combination of police action and automatic club bans. There is nothing like going to watch your team live and that is why the English professional game has taken strong collective action, to ensure the match day experience remains a safe and welcoming environment for all including fans, players, club staff and match officials.”

Football Supporters' Association Chief Executive Kevin Miles said: "We are contacted by supporters on a fairly regular basis who have been caught jumping on the pitch, or with pyro in the stands, and without exception they regret doing it.

"Whether they had positive intentions or not is irrelevant in the eyes of the law - pyro and pitch incursions are illegal, you will be prosecuted and you will be banned by your club."

To support this new package of policies and actions, today marks the launch of an all-football campaign. ‘Love football. Protect the game’ will make clear the consequences of, and sanctions for, illegal and dangerous behaviour as we seek to urge fans to help us protect the game and keep everyone safe.
 
Bispham_Seasider said:
The difference in South America (and to be fair other areas)

Belgrano, one of four clubs in the city of Cordoba, Argentina. And this video was posted by the clubs official Instagram account.

www.instagram.com

Club Atlético Belgrano on Instagram: "¡Te alentaremos de corazón! 💙🏴‍☠️ 📽️ @unguaso"

18K likes, 197 comments - clubatleticobelgrano on August 9, 2022: "¡Te alentaremos de corazón! 💙🏴‍☠️ 📽️ @unguaso"
www.instagram.com www.instagram.com
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Did you see the goal? 🤪

No but I saw and breathed in all that blue smog! 🤪

Me neither! What a mint game! 🤪👌
 
The thing is… A single lengthy announcement isn’t going to find its way to the target audience.

There needs to be a proper awareness campaign, including posters inside the stadium… So that younger fans are fully aware of the consequences.

As others have said, we’ve had a full on firework display (with Chisnal and Brett) creaming their pants about how great the Rangers tosspots were and then we’re banning our very own Forest Gump for a smoker.
 
TheAppyBus said:
Did you see the goal? 🤪

No but I saw and breathed in all that blue smog! 🤪

Me neither! What a mint game! 🤪👌
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Aye indeed, tiz good then that, unlike here, the smoke bombs are set off in a coordinated, choreographed manner before games (often set up by the clubs), and not after goals. So yay for that as no goals shall be missed cos of pyro.
 
Here's an idea... why don't clubs invest in their own pre match pyros?

That would be cool, but the answer is probably cost!
 
It’s embarrassing from the club.

Do nothing at all during the Rangers game then ban one Pool fan.

“Well we have to make and example” .....wankers.

3 years is ridiculous.

Inform everyone first for a couple of games then enforce it to some degree but not 3 years FFS 🥺
 
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Three years is far too long and is a significant proportion of a young supporter's life.

There should be time off for good behaviour - say, three month's reduction for every week the fan turns up for voluntary work at Bloomfield Road. That's more likely to build future good behaviour than a three-year ban.
 
No doubt this fella would have paid a lot of his savings to be a season ticket holder.

He holds the smoke bomb above his head for all to see (just like the Rangers fans) so surely totally unaware what he is doing is an offence.
He doesnt even throw it onto the pitch.

1st game of the season and he gets a 3 year ban for that.
Absolutely ridiculous.

SLO and the club really need to get together and sort this out.

THAT FAN IS ONE OF US!
 
Blackpool Are Back! said:
SLO you really should be helping/defending this guy get a lighter sentence.

He clearly isn't a full shilling, and didn't know he was in the wrong, as he held the smoke bomb aloft, in full view of everyone to see.

And SLO, the question that really needs to be asked is, why did the stewards not intervene with the Rangers fans?

Were they scared?

The Blackpool fan probably witnessed the Rangers fans, and thought it was ok for him too.

Not everybody reads the new rules, within days of them being released.

A 3 year ban is absolutely ridiculous and needs rescinding.
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The SLO should be doing nothing of the sort
 
Blackpool Are Back! said:
No doubt this fella would have paid a lot of his savings to be a season ticket holder.

He holds the smoke bomb above his head for all to see (just like the Rangers fans) so surely totally unaware what he is doing is an offence.
He doesnt even throw it onto the pitch.

1st game of the season and he gets a 3 year ban for that.
Absolutely ridiculous.

SLO and the club really need to get together and sort this out.

THAT FAN IS ONE OF US!
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Amen.
 
Blackpool Are Back! said:
SLO you really should be helping/defending this guy get a lighter sentence.

He clearly isn't a full shilling, and didn't know he was in the wrong, as he held the smoke bomb aloft, in full view of everyone to see.

And SLO, the question that really needs to be asked is, why did the stewards not intervene with the Rangers fans?

Were they scared?

The Blackpool fan probably witnessed the Rangers fans, and thought it was ok for him too.

Not everybody reads the new rules, within days of them being released.

A 3 year ban is absolutely ridiculous and needs rescinding.
Click to expand...
BAB to reply to your points in order:
- I am going to review the specifics
- The Rangers game was not under EFL governance
- I agree not everyone read the new rules which is precisely why I highlighted the issue on FB and Twitter earlier this week, to raise awareness. I don't want any more Blackpool fans to end up getting banning orders for contravening the regs.
 
Feel for the lad. The club has obviously chosen to make an example out of him.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan of any pyro's but not everyone reads the rules in full the day they come out.

Like others have said this feels like it's too severe.

It's just another thing to annoy the fans and widen the gap between the fans and the board that's just beginning to show.
 
SLO_BFC said:
BAB to reply to your points in order:
- I am going to review the specifics
- The Rangers game was not under EFL governance
- I agree not everyone read the new rules which is precisely why I highlighted the issue on FB and Twitter earlier this week, to raise awareness. I don't want any more Blackpool fans to end up getting banning orders for contravening the regs.
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So if a game is not under EFL governance then it can be a pyrotechnic free for all with anyone free to run on the pitch without fear of retribution!! Surely the root of this is safety, be it fans, players stewards.. are these thing not relevant in non EFL/FA/ EPL GAMES.
I’m not saying I agree with the severity of the punishment by the way, but rules should be the rules of the club, irrespective of the governance of the match. So they should have applied to the Rangers game.
 
johnnyb said:
So if a game is not under EFL governance then it can be a pyrotechnic free for all with anyone free to run on the pitch without fear of retribution!! Surely the root of this is safety, be it fans, players stewards.. are these thing not relevant in non EFL/FA/ EPL GAMES.
I’m not saying I agree with the severity of the punishment by the way, but rules should be the rules of the club, irrespective of the governance of the match. So they should have applied to the Rangers game.
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Definitely not a free for all, johnnyb; and everyone's safety is always of paramount importance.
 
Hazi said:
That crossed my mind, the Rangers synchronised display team didn’t raise an eyebrow
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They were paying to come here and it was free money for the club. They could have probably set fire to the ground for an extra tenner each.

EFL are throwing their weight around so the club has to be seen to be complying. Ultimately it just needs one of these influencer facebook, twitter or wherever these trends come from to suddenly suggest to the easily led that smuggling candy floss or something into football is the thing to be seen doing. It was 'limbs' a few years ago before covid where everyone would go OTT at a goal, ideally when they got the heads up of a penalty so they could get themselves on video behind the goal.
 
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